Pulmonary Manifestations of Lymphoma and Leukemia

Pulmonary manifestations of lymphoma and leukemia may involve multiple structures within the thoracic cavity . Malignant lymphoma typically originates in lymph nodes, but concomitant or primary presentations with parenchymal, pleural, or tracheobronchial disease may occur. Once infection is excluded, leukemic infiltrates may be related to malignancy, hemorrhage, or secondary pulmonary alveolar proteinosis . Confirmation with cytology or flow cytometry is recommended to diagnose malignant pleural effusions in hematologic malignancies . In chronic leukemia with progressive pulmonary findings, exclusion of a synchronous malignancy or Richter syndrome should be performed. Venous thromboembolism may present in patients with leukemia and lymphoma despite the presence of thrombocytopenia.